It was actually quite easy. I cut a piece of paper into a 9x13-inch rectangle (the size of my largest cake pan). I experimented with cutting it into pieces that would make a giraffe shape, keeping in mind two goals: 1) maximum cake usage; and 2) minimal cut edges requiring a crumb coat. Here's the template I made:

And here's how it looks laid out like a giraffe:

Steve found a piece of metal for me that would work as a cake board. I covered it with a blue plastic tablecloth. Trevor and I baked the cake and let it cool. I took a deep breath and followed my template to cut the giraffe pieces.

Here it is with its crumb coat.

I frosted the giraffe in yellow buttercream. I have no idea how anyone gets buttercream smooth, so I intentionally left 'fur marks' to give the giraffe texture.

To make the spots, I heated Tootsie Roll Midgees in the microwave for 12 seconds. I cut them in half, then rolled each with a rolling pin to make irregular spots. I used a similar technique for the horns- I heated them for 12 seconds, then molded them into the right shape. To make the tail, I used a knife to cut little slivers of Tootsie Roll, then squished them all together. Here are the horns and the tail pieces.

To make the mane, I used a knife to repeatedly score softened Tootsie Rolls.

thanks a million for this. my son wanted a giraffe cake and I hardly make normal cakes. I thought what? is he serious? and then discovered its actually possible. followed yours and its actually recognizable as a giraffe...